The motif of "numbers" is one of Robert Indiana’s iconic themes. The artist developed an affection for numbers as he moved many times in his youth. He once mentioned that the meanings and relationships created by numbers further deepened his interest. Drawing inspiration from the Arabic numerals on old calendars, Indiana reinterpreted numbers into bold and solid forms, transforming them into three-dimensional sculptures and applying striking colors. The numbers series symbolizes the journey of life, from 1 to 0, representing birth to extinction. It invites the audience to reflect on their own lives and engage in a moment of meaningful introspection. Through this work, the artist explores the literary images and emotions that the inherent meanings of words evoke in humans.
U.S. born pop artist Robert Indiana focused on simple symbols and functional design, using simple words as subjects to convey succinct and powerful messages. Through bold designs and colors, he created sculptural works such as ‘Love,’ ‘HOPE,’ and ‘Numbers.’ These ordinary symbols and designs allowed everyone to understand his works easily and gained wide popularity from the public. Today, his works continue to deliver a variety of messages through images that resonate with everyone, carrying on the artist's hope that 'love will spread throughout the world through my art.' Passed away in 2018, Indiana has left a monumental influence on the advancement of Pop Art and on other contemporary artists who use letters and symbols in their works. He is recognized as an artist who narrowed the distance between life and art, contributing to making life more artistic.